The Depot, Whalley Range, Manchester
by Buttress Architects for Rise Homes
For 100 years, the corner of Bowes Street and Princess Road in Moss Side was home to a large bus depot. Today, it is The Depot – a more than 300-home neighbourhood offering a mixture of tenures suited for everyone from first-time buyers to families to seniors in need of care.
The idea behind The Depot was to create an intergenerational community. Accordingly, it includes 112 apartments geared towards those who are aged 55 and older. For those who are fully independent, the flats at Bowes House offer apartments designed with them in mind.
Buttress Architects used HAPPI principles when designing the one- and two-bedroom apartments at Bowes House. This included ensuring that layouts are accessible, an ample provision of internal space, and access to the outdoors via private balconies or communal gardens.
For those who may be in need of more assistance, there is Elmswood Park, a 72-flat extra care scheme that is 100% social rent. Amenities at Elmswood Park include a bistro, hairdresser, and communal spaces.
Those just starting their home ownership journey can access one of The Depot’s 30 shared-ownership family homes.
There are also market and affordable apartments for those who require less space. There are even five flats devoted to “step-down care”, which is geared toward those who no longer need to be in the hospital but still require some assistance. This frees up much-needed hospital beds in the NHS system.
